Gucci Launches a DIY Service to Customize Its Famous Dionysus Purse

Gucci's ready-to-wear is drool-worthy, for sure, but it's the accessories that have turned us from sane, functioning adults to crazy bag (and loafer) ladies. Of course, we wouldn't expect anything less from Alessandro Michele, the current Gucci creative director and former head accessories designer. When he presented his debut fall 2015 collection, he did so with a whole new range of accessories, including an introduction to the soon-to-be (if not already) classic Dionysus handbag. This masterpiece serves as a time warp between the past and the future, capturing the brand's heritage with the iconic double-G "Supreme" monogram, but with a modern touch (an indicator of Gucci's new direction with Michele at the helm) through hand-painted florals and whimsical embroidered patches.

Boxy in shape with a slim build, complete with a double tiger head-ended horseshoe closure (a reference to the Greek god Dionysus, btw, who transformed into a tiger to carry a nymph across the river), the Dionysus has been reinvented multiple times over since its debut.

Now, Michele has taken it one step further with the launch of a DIY service, in which die-hard Gucci fans (cough, us) can personalize their Dionysus purses (only large and medium) with a buffet of embroidered patches (including but not limited to: butterflies, bees, dragonflies, snakes, and peonies), trims, hardware, and monogrammed initials (with the option to bling them out with Swarovski crystals). It falls right in line with Michele's design philosophy, which is "that the way you dress is how you feel, and that men and women should feel authentic and free in the expression of themselves."

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With endless combos, placements, and possibilities, it'd be hard not to express yourself. The do-it-yourself attitude is also a nod to punk, a sub-culture that stems from freedom of expression. As of now, the service is only available at the brand's flagship store in Milan on Via Montenapoleone, but it will be rolled out to major cities around the world (and fingers crossed, hopefully online). Eventually, you'll also be able to happily customize Gucci's Ace sneakers, the loafer slippers, and ready-to-wear pieces for men and women.

Ugh, we can't wait. If you happen to be in Milan (lucky!), stop by the Gucci flagship store to personalize your Dionysus purse. And if you're not, well, the least we can offer you is a scroll through some major Gucci-laden eye candy: the Dionysus purse customized in infinite ways.